2013-04-10
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New Course for Agricultural Technicians
Distance Learning courses developed by the Engineering Department at the Barony Campus of Scotland’s Rural College are to be used to deliver a new qualification for agricultural technicians.
Especially those who are not able to access manufacturers sponsored training.
The new course builds on the LTA (Landbased Technicians Accreditation) scheme which has operated since 2007. It recognises the diversity of skills required by those servicing the landbased sector and establishes a clear career path for technicians through four qualification levels, Entry (LTA1), Standard (LTA2), Advanced (LTA3) and Master (LTA4).
Over 2,800 technicians have now gained LTA status, but the majority have done so through training courses largely provided by the main tractor and machinery franchises. However it has been recognised that manufacturer sponsored training is not available to the many unaligned UK sales and service dealerships. The new, extended programme will be accessible to those working for dealerships which don’t hold one of the major franchises.
The Independent LTA Career Pathway has been developed and will be delivered by the officially appointed LTA Assessment Centre which is the SRUC Barony Campus. It utilises distance learning modules developed uniquely for the LTA scheme by the Barony engineering team headed by Drew Easton. The scheme will be active from 15 April 2013, when the Barony will start processing the first applications from dealership technicians.
